As part of a grassroots effort to raise funds and awareness, Robert, a mental health advocate, has embarked on a regional fundraising journey with his alpaca companion, Hephner.
Hephner became a minor celebrity after reportedly sneezing on King Charles during the monarch’s visit to Canberra in late 2024.
For Robert, this mission is personal. After losing a close colleague to suicide, he committed to raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention.
Robert and Hephner have travelled across regional Australia, from paddocks to pubs, meeting people in places where mental health services can be limited.
Robert said their informal approach makes conversations feel personal rather than clinical.
And this isn’t something new. Robert and Hephner have taken road trips around Australia to support charities working in suicide prevention and mental health. Their bond has made Hephner a mascot of sorts for resilience and hope, attracting families and workers who might not otherwise engage in discussions about mental health.
On Monday, August 3, Robert set out from Goulburn, travelling to the NSW-Victoria border before heading north on the Pacific Highway to Brisbane, where he plans to meet with TradeMutt and TIACS teams.
On the return trip, he will take the New England Highway, stopping in towns along the way to connect with local communities.
Today, they made a special stop in Uralla where lucky locals had the chance to snap a photo with Hephner.
“Together, we can help break the stigma around mental health and ensure that support reaches those who need it most,” Robert said.
About the cause
TradeMutt is a social impact workwear brand that turns high-vis gear into conversation starters. With bright designs and bold messaging, the company says it is not just supplying uniforms but sparking discussion about mental health, especially in male-dominated industries such as construction and agriculture.
Half of every TradeMutt purchase helps fund TIACS, a free and confidential text and call service that connects workers, including tradespeople, truck drivers, rural workers and other blue-collar Australians, with trained mental health clinicians. TradeMutt and TIACS say the initiative reduces stigma and creates accessible pathways to mental health support.
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